Cecily Zamora
An undergraduate law degree is an incredibly beneficial qualification to have, offering a multitude of career opportunities beyond the traditional route of becoming a lawyer. Law school graduates are highly valued for their ability to think critically, solve problems, research, communicate, and analyse complex data. In addition to legal careers, such as attorneys, prosecutors, and public defenders, law degrees are also well-suited for careers in human resources, finance, consulting, and education. The skills gained from a law degree can be applied in various sectors, making it a versatile qualification for those seeking diverse career paths.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of jobs available to law graduates | 15 alternative careers for law school graduates |
| Employability | 74% of Australian law school graduates obtain full-time employment within four months of graduation |
| Career paths | Lawyers, CEOs, entrepreneurs, legislators, solo practitioners, federal government lawyers, prosecutors, public defenders, in-house corporate counsels, legal writers, law professors, business consultants, human resource professionals, financial officers, law firm operations managers, legal project managers, legal recruiters, journalists, judges' associates, arbitrators, investigators |
| Average annual salary | $87,946 for an EEOC investigator, $64,441 for a law librarian, $151,849 for a CFO |
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What You'll Learn
Human resources
HR professionals also need to be able to analyse complex data to find patterns and solutions, a skill emphasised in law school. Many law graduates also have a strong background in finance, which can be beneficial for certain HR roles. For example, law school graduates with a financial background can find work as a financial officer, making decisions that impact the entire corporation.
There are a variety of roles within human resources that law graduates can pursue. These include:
- HR Manager
- HR Compliance Manager
- HR Specialist
- HR Coordinator
- Employee Relations Manager
The requirements for these roles may vary, but a bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, legal studies, or a related field is often preferred. A master's degree or Juris Doctor (JD) can also be advantageous. In addition, HR employers often look for candidates with several years of experience in compliance, risk management, or employee relations. Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices is essential, as is the ability to conduct internal audits and manage compliance investigations.
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Law librarian
A law degree is a versatile qualification that opens doors to various career paths beyond the traditional roles of lawyers and attorneys. One such path is that of a law librarian, a role that combines legal expertise with information management skills.
While a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is not necessary to become a law librarian, some law librarians do have a law school background. Generally, law librarians hold a Master's degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS) with specialized coursework in law librarianship. Some universities offer joint JD/MLS degrees, allowing students to earn both degrees simultaneously. Additionally, practicums or internships in law libraries can provide valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities for aspiring law librarians.
The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) offers a career center that posts openings for law librarian jobs nationwide. Law librarians can also find employment in state, county, corporate, and law firm libraries, which often advertise positions locally. The exact duties of a law librarian may vary depending on their practice setting, but they generally adhere to the AALL's Principles and Standards for Legal Research Competency, which includes efficient and effective research strategies, as well as understanding the ethical implications of information use.
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Business consultant
An undergraduate law degree can open doors to a variety of career paths beyond the traditional route of becoming a lawyer. One such option is to pursue a career as a business consultant.
With an undergraduate law degree, you can bring a unique perspective to business consulting. Your legal education will have equipped you with strong analytical and critical thinking skills, which are highly valued in the consulting world. You will also have developed excellent research abilities, which can be leveraged to gather and analyze data, identify issues, and propose effective solutions for your clients.
However, it is important to note that transitioning from a law degree to business consulting may require some additional steps. Consulting firms value candidates with a commercial understanding of their work, so you will need to frame your legal knowledge in a business context. Developing strong quantitative skills, particularly in Excel and financial modeling, will also increase your competitiveness as a business consultant candidate.
Overall, an undergraduate law degree can provide a solid foundation for a career in business consulting, allowing you to leverage your legal skills in a dynamic and challenging business environment.
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Law firm operations manager
A law degree is a versatile qualification that can open doors to various career paths, including roles such as law firm operations manager.
A law firm operations manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a law firm, ensuring the smooth running of the business and allowing attorneys to focus on legal matters. This role is becoming increasingly indispensable for modern law firms, especially as the industry becomes more globalized and complex.
One of the primary responsibilities of a law firm operations manager is financial management. This includes preparing and managing complex law firm budgets, forecasting financial needs, and ensuring efficient allocation of resources. They scrutinize data from e-billing systems to understand revenue and spending, and use this information to develop cost-effective strategies and optimize financial resources.
Operations managers are also involved in technology implementation and process optimization. They research and select innovative technology to streamline processes and improve efficiency, saving the firm time and money. With the growing emphasis on data security and remote work in the legal industry, operations managers are tasked with implementing robust security measures and managing remote work policies.
Another key aspect of this role is vendor management. Operations managers negotiate contracts, manage relationships with vendors, and ensure that services meet the firm's quality and cost expectations. They also play a crucial role in compliance, conducting audits and managing risk to ensure the firm adheres to legal and regulatory standards.
Overall, a law firm operations manager plays a pivotal role in the functionality and success of a law firm, combining business acumen with legal knowledge to drive effective operations and strategic initiatives.
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EEOC investigator
An EEOC investigator is an employee of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC is committed to enforcing Federal laws to help end workplace discrimination in the United States. EEOC investigators handle inquiries and complaints of employment discrimination under the Federal statutes enforced by the EEOC.
To become an EEOC investigator, a bachelor's degree is required. A law degree is also accepted, and the role is well-suited for law school graduates who enjoyed employment law. Specialized investigative experience is also required, with at least two and a half years of progressively responsible professional investigative experience. This experience should demonstrate the ability to collect and assemble facts, think logically and objectively, and analyze and evaluate information to arrive at sound conclusions.
The average annual salary for an EEOC investigator is $87,946.
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Frequently asked questions
An undergraduate law degree is a great asset when applying for a wide variety of jobs, many of which are not necessarily law-related. Some of the most common jobs for law graduates include:
- Lawyer/Attorney
- Human Resources professional
- Business/Financial consultant
- Law librarian
- Law professor
The skills gained from an undergraduate law degree, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, are highly valued by many employers. Some less obvious jobs that individuals with an undergraduate law degree could pursue include:
- Journalist
- CEO
- Entrepreneur
- Legislator
- Arbitrator
Many law school graduates go on to work in law schools or other educational institutions. They may work in academic positions, such as professors or lecturers, or in non-academic positions, such as admissions or alumni relations. Law school graduates may also work in various sectors, including banking, insurance, and government.
